Illegal gambling still rampant in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two more racinos opening this fall will add to the many legal gambling options available in Ohio — but officials say illegal gambling still is a big problem.

State investigators increasingly are finding illegal gambling hot spots, many of which are masquerading as “skill games” parlors. Matt Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, says the agency has been working with federal and local law enforcement to find and shut down the operations.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that last week state investigators busted House of Skills, a game parlor in Mahoning County. They seized 54 machines after receiving complaints that the business was giving cash payments to winners, a violation of Ohio law except in casinos and racinos.

The state has four legal casinos and five racinos.
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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com